Principal Litigation And Regulatory Solicitor

Contract Type: Permanent
Hours: 37 hours per week
Salary: NJC H04 SCP10-12 £47,184 to £49,282 per annum
Closing Date: 26^th August 2025

Are you an experienced litigation lawyer looking for a new opportunity and ready to take the lead in a dynamic and supportive local government setting?  Join our small but ambitious district council, where your expertise will directly influence outcomes for our community

Fylde Council is looking for an experienced legal professional to join our Governance Team as Principal Lawyer (Litigation and Regulatory).

We’re seeking a talented and proactive legal specialist with a strong background in litigation and regulatory law to play a key role in delivering a high-quality legal service. This is an excellent opportunity for a skilled solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive who thrives in a collaborative environment and is keen to make a positive difference to the local community.

As a Principal Lawyer, you’ll be part of a forward-thinking Governance Team and will provide expert legal advice across a diverse range of contentious matters. You will manage your own caseload of civil and criminal litigation, act as an officer of the court representing the Council in various legal proceedings, and offer robust legal support to officers, members, and project teams across the authority.

You will work closely with senior officers to help safeguard the council’s interests, ensure legal compliance, and contribute to our commitment to excellence in governance. This role offers variety, autonomy, and the chance to work on high-profile and sensitive legal issues that matter.

Key Responsibilities:

• Manage a broad caseload of contentious legal matters including housing, planning enforcement, ASB, environmental crime, contract disputes, and debt recovery.
• Represent the council in court and tribunals, drafting legal documents and advocating for the Council’s position.
• Provide strategic and timely legal advice to officers and elected members.
• Liaise with external counsel and legal experts where appropriate.
• Ensure compliance with legal obligations and contribute to service improvement.
• Remain up to date on relevant legislative changes and best practices.

About You

• We are looking for a self-motivated legal professional who:
• Holds a current practising certificate as a solicitor, barrister or chartered legal executive.
• Has significant practical experience in contentious legal work, ideally within a local government context.
• Demonstrates strong advocacy, communication, and drafting skills.
• Is comfortable working independently and as part of a team in a dynamic, paper-free environment.
• Understands the political and operational context of local government.
• Has experience advising or working with elected members.

What We Offer:

• A supportive and inclusive team environment within a dynamic council
• Up to 24 days annual leave (increasing to 29 days after 5 years’ service) plus bank holidays
• Flexible working arrangements promoting work-life balance
• A healthy workplace initiative, including discounted gym membership
• Local government pension scheme
• Opportunities for professional development and career progression

Politically Restricted Post: This is a politically restricted post under the Local Government and Housing Act 1989.

Interview Dates: w/c 8th September 

Interested?

Applications must be submitted by 11:59 pm on Tuesday 26^th August 2025

For a conversation about the role and cultural fit, please contact: [email protected] or [email protected]

to view the Job Description.

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